When it comes to the important decision of what size circular saw blade to buy, one of the most important factors is the arbor size. But what exactly is arbor size, and why does it matter? In this post, we’ll answer those questions and more, so you can make an informed purchase when buying your next circular saw blade.
What is Arbor Size?
The arbor is the cylindrical shaft on a circular saw that holds the blade. The teeth on the blade are attached to, and rotate around this shaft. As such, it’s important that you get an arbor size that fits your saw perfectly.
If the arbor diameter is too small for your model of saw, buying a new blade can be frustrating and time-consuming because you may have trouble finding blades that fit properly.
On the other hand, if you buy an arbor that’s too large for your model of saw, fitting in a new blade can also be difficult and time-consuming because it will either not grip on at all or require so much force to put it in place that you risk breaking the arbor. Not only does this mean you can’t use your circular saw, but it also means it will be necessary to replace the entire saw.
Arbor sizes are measured in inches, so there is no confusion about whether or not they will fit your particular model of saw.
Usually, blades range from 3/8 inch to 7/8 inch, though some models go up as high as 1-3/8″. Blades with smaller diameters are typically for lighter materials like wood and plastic while larger blades are used for ripping through thick metals or other dense materials. If you’re using your circular saw mostly for light-duty tasks, a blade with a small diameter may be all that is necessary.
Likewise, if you’re frequently working with extremely dense materials, you should probably invest in a large arbor blade.
Arbor sizes are typically stamped on the side of your circular saw itself. Look for an arrow just above the depth adjustment knob that points toward what is generally considered to be the front of the tool. If it says something like 4-1/2 inches, then you have a model that takes 4-1/2 inch blades. This means your saw will take any blade with an arbor size of 4-1/2 inches or smaller. If there’s no stamp next to this arrow, however, consult your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer directly to find out what size blades your particular model can use.
Keep in mind that most circular saw blades are reversible, which means you can use them on either side. This is a great feature for anyone looking to get the most out of every blade they purchase.
Once you find the right arbor size, remember that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all circular saw blade that will do it all. While some blades boast extras like bearing guides and special brake systems if your goal is simply to cut through a wide range of materials with precision and ease, pick up at least two different types of blades so you have what you need when the time comes. Whether you need more teeth or fewer teeth for your project really depends on what material it is you’re going to be working with most often, but keep in mind that quality blades—even more expensive ones—are always better than the cheap circular saw blade that promises to do everything but breaks after a few uses.
If you find yourself working with many different types of materials and needing to replace your blades often, it may be worth investing in an all-purpose type of circular saw blade like the kind
Why does arbor size matter?
So, what is arbor size and why does it matter? By understanding the way a circular saw blade is made, you can find out whether or not a particular model of saw will accept a certain type of blade. The first thing to consider when looking at arbor sizes is that most blades are reversible.
This means that if they come with different teeth on each side, either end can be used as if it’s the “front.” The difference between both sides can have a significant effect on whether or not your blade will fit your particular model of saw.
FAQ’s
What does an arbor size mean?
Arbor sizes are measured by inches. This makes it much easier to shop for your circular saw blade because you don’t have to be concerned with whether or not the diameter will fit your particular model of saw.
What is a standard arbor size?
Standard arbor sizes range from 3/8 inch to 7/8 inch. Some models go up as high as 1-3/8 inches.
How do you measure an arbor size on a circular saw?
Look for an arrow just above the depth adjustment knob that points toward what is generally considered to be the front of the tool. If it says something like 4-1/2 inches, then you have a model that takes 4-1/2 inch blades. This means your saw will take any blade with an arbor size of 4-1/2 inches or smaller. If there’s no stamp next to this arrow, however, consult your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer directly to find out what size blades your particular model can use.
What is the arbor size of my saw?
It may be difficult to find an exact answer, depending on your tool model. You can measure it yourself by finding an arrow above the depth adjustment knob that points toward what is generally considered to be the front of the tool. If it says something like 4-1/2 inches, then you have a model that takes 4-1/2 inch blades. This means your saw will take any blade with an arbor size of 4-1/2 inches or smaller.
Conclusion:
We showed you what an arbor size is and that it matters for your circular saw blade. We also touched on the importance of buying quality blades in general so you don’t have to replace them every time you turn around. I hope this was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.